December 7, 2021

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
December 7, 2021

Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.

8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.

9:00 Blain moved to approve the Cooperative Agreement between the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and Carbon County Board of Health for Licensed Establishment Inspections; Miller seconded; motion carried.

Discussed school nurse meeting. Schools are interested in applying for the grant funding for a shared school nurse, but are not able to manage the grant and would prefer it not pass through their accounts. Public Health is reaching out to the State to see if the Superintendent of Schools could apply on their behalf via Public Health.

10:30 Geospatial Information Systems Coordinator / Fire Warden Tom Kohley and Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Cyrina Allen met for their monthly updates. Allen noted incidents in the last month including Rosebud Fire and power issues at the Rock Creek Radio Tower that resulted in radio failures. The generator didn’t kick-on when power went out. Allen has reached out Dunn regarding the status of installing monitoring software. Discussion regarding radio communications plan. Bullock noted frustration with not having law channels in road radios; road crew spent significant time waiting for law enforcement to get vehicles out of the road for plowing. Discussion regarding process for sending out law enforcement and where Dispatch fits into that process. Allen also provided an update on her duties as Public Health Officer. Kohley noted GIS working on redistricting school district boundaries and following all the amendments since the 1950s; plans to have finalized maps by end of the month so other district boundaries can be configured on those boundaries. Plan to schedule Public Meetings in February to notice the adjustments. Kohley noted that DNRC reimbursements for this summer’s fires are coming in. He noted the turnaround is much faster than going through FEMA.

11:00 Courthouse Facilities Discussion. Kohley, Allen, District Court Clerk Rochelle Loying, Clerk and Recorder Christine Stovall, Deputy Clerk and Recorder Macque Bohleen, and Gary Levine from Spectrum Architects were present. Kohley noted his support for the development of a long-term plan so that ARPA money can be used for immediate gains and provide opportunities to address long term facilities issues. Bullock believes short term gain would be to start utilizing property in Joliet with the long-term goal of reincorporating offices in that property. Bullock noted the immediate need is for an ADA compliant Court Room and court services, but does not believe Courthouse additions are worth it long term. Loyning agreed that a new building is best long-term solution; noted storage issues, building sagging issues, that the electrical capacity not sufficient for current technology, issues with windows, and the lack of central air. Loyning is not concerned about the location of the court room and is not sure if proximity to the County Attorney’s Office is essential. Sheriff Josh McQuillan joined. Allen asked about Personal Services lawn as a possible addition location; concerns were expressed about complications of building within the Red Lodge City limits because of zoning codes and parking requirements. McQuillain asked about concerns with Court not having access to deputies down stairs for issues. Blain concerned about continuing to fragment justice offices and the lost efficiency; at this time not in support of moving offices. Blain sees value in trying to make the current facility work, because of the historic nature of the building and it being a public building. Believes both floors have to be usable to the general public. Stovall noted an addition would not increase traffic. Discussion regarding Draper property; Commissioners are not comfortable purchasing land without liquidating Joliet Property. Everyone in attendance agreed that it is ideal to have all services in one location. Discussion about relocating Fair Grounds and utilizing fair property to consolidate/relocate court offices. Miller asked about forming a committee to solicit public input over the next three months to see what the public wants. Blain believes the Detention Center vote was a referendum not to spend more money, does not anticipate public support for another bond issue. Discussion regarding adding elevator to existing building. McQuillan would like to explore utilizing Fairgrounds. Levine agrees that investing money in the current Court House is probably not the most efficient use of funds. Discussion about cost of addition with elevator or standalone elevator. Kohley wondered if it would be worth partnering with the City of Red Lodge to address both entities space needs.
12:00 Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer